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This easy homemade air fryer baked potato gives you a fluffy, steaming inside and a salty, crispy skin without heating up the whole oven. Three ingredients, five minutes of prep, and the air fryer does the rest.
It’s the simplest side dish you’ll make all week, and it goes with pretty much everything.
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes
- Olive oil or spray oil
- Salt, to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Scrub the Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes clean under running water, then pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Dry skin is what crisps up properly, so don’t skip this.
Step 2: Pierce the Potatoes
Pierce each potato several times with a fork. This lets steam escape while they cook so they don’t burst.
Step 3: Oil and Season
Rub each potato with olive oil or spray generously with oil spray, then sprinkle with salt. Coat the whole surface for even crisping.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 385°F (195°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 5: Arrange the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in the basket with space between them. If they touch, the air can’t circulate and the skin won’t crisp evenly.
Step 6: Cook
Air fry at 385°F for about 60 minutes. Timing depends on the size of your potatoes, so start checking a little earlier if they’re on the smaller side.
Step 7: Flip Halfway
At the 30 minute mark, flip the potatoes so both sides cook evenly.
Step 8: Check for Doneness
The potatoes are ready when a fork slides in easily and they give slightly when squeezed gently. Remove from the air fryer.
Step 9: Rest and Slice
Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes before slicing them open. Fluff the inside with a fork and add your toppings.
Recipe Notes
- Russets work best. Their thick skin crisps up beautifully and the inside turns light and fluffy.
- Dry potatoes crisp better. Make sure they’re fully dry before oiling.
- Don’t skip piercing. It keeps steam from building up inside.
- Salt the skin generously. It’s what gives you that crackly, seasoned bite.
- Check early with smaller potatoes. They can be done well before the 60 minute mark.
Storage
Fridge: Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through. The skin crisps right back up.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Easy homemade air fryer baked potatoes with crispy salted skin and a fluffy inside, made with just three ingredients and almost no effort.
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes
- Olive oil or spray oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Scrub potatoes and pat completely dry.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
- Rub with oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Preheat air fryer to 385°F (195°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Place potatoes in the basket without touching. Cook for 60 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Check that a fork slides in easily. Rest a few minutes, slice open, and add toppings.
Notes
- Make sure the skin is dry before oiling for the crispiest result.
- Smaller potatoes will cook faster, so check early.
- Skip the foil if you want crispy skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust the cooking time for smaller or larger potatoes?
Yes. Smaller potatoes may need less time, while larger ones may need more. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork. It should slide in with no resistance.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for baked potatoes?
It isn’t strictly necessary, but preheating helps the potatoes cook more evenly and can shorten the overall cooking time slightly.
Can I wrap the potatoes in foil before air frying?
You can, but the skin will come out softer. If you want a crispy skin, cook the potatoes without foil.
How do I know when air fryer baked potatoes are done?
They’re done when a fork pierces them easily and they give slightly under gentle pressure. The skin should look dry and crisp.
Can I reheat leftover baked potatoes in the air fryer?
Yes. Place them in the basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through.
What toppings can I use for baked potatoes?
Sour cream, shredded cheese, and chives are the classics. Bacon bits, salsa, diced vegetables, or chili all work well too, especially if you want a heartier meal.
How long does it take to bake a potato in the air fryer?
About 60 minutes at 385°F for large russet potatoes. That’s quicker than most conventional ovens, and you don’t need to preheat a full-size oven.
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